The stated goal of lightweight construction is to save resources in the manufacturing, assembly, transport and use of a product. In lightweight material construction, this is done by substituting traditional materials like steel with new materials and material composites like GRP (glass-fiber-reinforced plastics) or CRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics). This not only reduces raw material costs, it also increases energy efficiency in production, while the logistics costs are noticeably reduced as well.

Plasma treatment of a sandwich panel prior to structural bonding

Plasma system for treating large panels

In designing airplanes, for example, saving weight is critically important. One kilo of weight saved results in a savings of 5000 tons kerosene in the course of a vehicle life. The same is true for railroad vehicles, passenger cars and especially trucks. Modern trailer designs offer a maximum of payload with reduced curb weight.

These requirements can be achieved by using lightweight construction and the combination of different material composites. Plasma treatment makes possible material combinations that are completely new in some cases (plasma bonding technology). The two leading German companies in trailer manufacturing have used Openair® technology from Plasmatreat successfully for years.

Examples of efficient use of Openair® plasma bonding technology in lightweight construction: